The FMB has linked up with Trading Standards to combat rogue traders
Rogue traders are the blight of the construction sector affecting not only thousands of innocent customers but also the reputation of decent, hard working, law abiding FMB members. As a FMB member you probably get lots of requests to put right the work of rogue traders but it may surprise you to learn that last year a staggering £170 million was paid to rogue traders by unsuspecting homeowners. In fact, every year some 89,000 householders are fleeced by rogue door-to-door home maintenance traders masquerading as professionals, selling anything from roofing repairs, guttering and gardening services to path and driveway work.
To tackle this persistent problem the FMB has linked up once again with Trading Standards to launch a new campaign called ‘Nail the Rogues’ which advises homeowners how to avoid being ripped off by rogue traders. The key campaign message is that homeowners should only use a reputable builder who has been recommended or better still is a proven member of a reputable trade association such as the FMB – the UK’s largest trade association in the building sector!
NAIL THE ROGUES LEAFLET
The ‘Nail the Rogues’ campaign is being launched this summer because evidence shows that rogue traders are far more prevalent during the summer months. To help householders, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable, the FMB and Trading Standards have produced a short, concise leaflet called ‘Nail the Rogues’ which gives advice to homeowners on how to spot and avoid rogue traders as well as how best to find a reputable trader. A window sticker is also available which a homeowner can place in a front window to warn off potential rogue traders. On the back of the sticker there is valuable information for the householder about how to get rid of a rogue trader who may be standing on the doorstep.
We’re hoping that FMB members will hand the leaflets and stickers out to potential customers to help to raise awareness of the issue as well as to help ensure that homeowners are not taken in by rogue traders. From the FMB builder’s point of view, including a leaflet and sticker with your quote will also show very clearly to a potential client that you are a reputable and trusted builder who has nothing to do with the black economy but is committed to the highest standards of workmanship and service.
For additional copies of the leaflet and stickers you can contact your local FMB office. We also have a website, www.nailtherogues.org.uk which also outlines all the information contained in the leaflet as well as a request form if you want additional leaflets and stickers.
